Supply Chain Management and Offshoring in the US

Abstract

In this day and age marked by globalization and the need for firms and managers to get tasks and services done at the lowest possible cost, offshoring jobs in the supply chain has become common practice in companies operating in many countries around the world. Offshoring is a controversial issue, especially in the US as illustrated by the debate between individuals advocating the adverse effects of the offshoring of US jobs and the proponents of its benefits. This does raise several questions, some of which are: What are the causes of offshoring? What impact did Covid-19 have on offshoring and on the supply chain? What are the advantages and disadvantages of offshoring on supply chains of firms in general and particularly in the US? Considering the previous questions, should firms in the US continue to offshore jobs or should they stop doing it? This paper will attempt to provide answers to these questions, as well as offer prescriptive analysis regarding the implementation of ideas to address this situation.